Kabongoye Campus

The Kabongoye Campus (CampKab) project is part of a socio-economic context marked by high unemployment, particularly among young people and women, a lack of skills and qualifications, endemic poverty, and progressive environmental degradation. Faced with these major challenges, the project presents itself as a relevant and necessary response.

Financial partner

Background

The Senegalese population is relatively young, with 75% under the age of 35. The department of Mbour, located in western Senegal, is experiencing significant population growth and increasing urbanization. With 937,189 inhabitants, it is now the third most populous department in Senegal, behind Dakar and Mbacké. Young people in Mbour are therefore faced with the difficult challenge of accessing public infrastructure and services, and they face problems of poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. In addition, women also sorely lack suitable training opportunities and entrepreneurial opportunities. Despite everything, Mbour is brimming with potential. Located on the Petite Côte, it is a real tourist and economic hub. Its fishing port, lively market, and numerous factories are testament to its dynamism. The city is a nerve center of the region, with energy and assets that are just waiting to be fully exploited.

Location

Department of Mbour, in western Senegal, 50 miles south of Dakar.

Objectives

The project aims to strengthen the capacities of local populations, promote artistic and cultural expression, raise awareness of social and environmental issues, and support the creation and development of businesses.

Impacts

The Kabongoye Center is a place for learning and helps build civic, environmental, and cultural leadership.
The entrepreneurial performance of young people and women is boosted by innovative support tailored to their potential and in promising sectors.
The center's sustainability is strengthened through greater stakeholder involvement in its management.

Beneficiaries

Members of the "youth government" and members of the Agora cultural club
Women who attend the Kabongoye center for literacy classes
Young people (school pupils, students, craftspeople) who want to boost their knowledge of ICT training and related professions
The teaching staff at Saly Bambara School, a partner of Kabongoye and other schools in the area
Young entrepreneurs involved in the Sustainable Food Systems program

Actions

The Kabongoye Center’s work focuses on two main areas: civic and cultural leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Civic and cultural leadership

The project offers computer training, encourages public speaking through slam poetry and theater, organizes youth gatherings and conferences on current issues, and conducts awareness-raising activities on gender and the environment. These initiatives aim to equip young people with the skills and tools they need to express themselves, get involved, and become responsible citizens.

Entrepreneurship

The project supports the creation and development of businesses that incorporate agroecological principles, offering training in dyeing, fruit and vegetable processing, poultry farming, business management, and alternatives to pesticides. It also sets up a nursery for fertile and fruit trees and organizes advanced workshops on craft trades. These actions aim to promote local entrepreneurship, create green jobs, and contribute to environmental preservation.

The Kabongoye Center is also committed to:

Promote communication and collaboration among stakeholders to foster synergy and alignment of actions.
Encourage research and innovation to develop new solutions and improve the effectiveness of the Center's programs.
Establish a monitoring and evaluation system to measure the impact of the Center's actions and make any necessary adjustments.